HOUSTON – Acne: Just about every teenager will get it and many adults get acne, too. Of those who suffer with it, 25 percent are left with permanent scarring.
For years, Maria Elena has struggled with acne scarring.
"My acne started late, when I was 18 years old," Elena said.
Dermatologist Dr. Leyda Bowes said a device called the Icon X-D Laser can help ease the appearance of all types of acne scars.
"There are so many types. The ones that are really indented we call them rolling scars. There are the fine, very deep ones; we call those ice pick scars," Bowes said.
The infrared light on the Icon X-D Laser works deep under the skin to remove abnormal areas of skin that form the scar. The laser then sends a signal to replace the scarring with new skin.
"That means new collagen that has a better orientation, that is healthy, so you get a smoother skin with better texture and better color as well," Bowes said.
While the scars never completely go away, the results brought tears to Elena's eyes.
"I feel so happy. I want all persons that have suffered acne scars like mine to know there is a solution, a real solution," she said.
Because the laser generates heat, patients are first numbed with a topical cream and then the entire face can be treated in about 15 minutes. Each treatment starts at $600. It typically takes three to six treatments to see the best results.
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